Love Island viewers say Manchester contestant Sophie Lee 'deserved better' after being dumped on day two
The 29-year-old became the first islander of the series to leave the villa
Love Island viewers have said that Manchester contestant Sophie Lee ‘deserved better’ after she was dumped from the programme on its second day.
The 29-year-old motivational speaker and author became the first contestant to leave the villa on this year's series of the dating show on Tuesday night (June 10)
Sophie’s exit arrived after Harry Cooksley, who she paired up with in the debut episode, coupled-up with Shakira Khan.
Shakira had just 24 hours to find a connection with one of the boys in the villa and convince them to couple up with her after bombshell Toni Laites chose to steal taxi driver Ben.
Despite only getting to spend 24 hours in the villa, Sophie has insisted she still enjoyed her time on the programme celebrating ten years since its revival.
"I really enjoyed being in the villa, I am really grateful for this experience," she said.
While Harry choosing to be with Shakira led to her early trip home, Sophie has said that she doesn't harbour any bitterness towards him.
“I wish Harry all the best - he genuinely deserves a girl who can make him happy,” she noted.
Viewers watching at home took to the Love Island hashtag on X following Sophie’s exit to express their frustrations over her leaving so soon.
@jtwillyx said: “Sophie being treated so poorly and dumped is so nasty. Producers cast her with no intention of her succeeding #LoveIsland.” @eds_afterglow added: “Sophie joined the ‘dumped too soon’ club.”
@sanaravishing wrote: “I’m so over this show bc dumping someone on the 2nd day is wild everyone’s barely known each other, Sophie deserved better! #LoveIsland.” @itss_shannnx pointed out: “I don't get why Sophie was dumped when theres two boy bombshells coming in... #loveisland #LoveIslandUK.”
@keke63872987 commented: “sophie was the realest rip queen you will be missed #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK.” @rupauhl posted: “Oh i feel so awful for Sophie.”
Sophie previously revealed that she wanted to spread a message of positivity during her time in the Love Island villa.
The reality star suffered facial burns in an accident when she was 22-years-old and hoped to inspire viewers by competing on the show.
"I just have to accept myself for me. I think sometimes people stare because they don’t know how to ask. It’s not intentionally rude, I think they’re just curious and don’t know what to say.
"I never mind if people ask about my scars, then I can educate more people about what happened,” she told The Sun.
Sophie added: "In school I went through that phase of ‘oh, I'm massive, I'm this and that,’ because I think you naturally do when you're that age. Everyone's judging each other, you're growing boobs, you're like ‘oh, I don't know what this is’. I think everyone kind of has body issues going through high school.
"All my friends had big boobs or had legs, and I've always been a bit up and down on the scale of my weight. Especially with the industry I was in (of dance and performing), I was always scrutinised for how you look.
"But with this accident it’s crazy. Because the one time I feel like I should be most body conscious, I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been."